Nazi-Soviet Pact
Who: Nazis and Soviets
What: Aka: Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. Pact of non-aggression. I. “Both high contracting parties obligate themselves to desist from any attack of violence, any aggressive action, and any attack on each other, either individually or jointly with other powers” II. “Should one of the high contracting parties become the object of belligerent action by a third power, the other high contracting party shall in no manner lend its support to this third party.” “The question of whether the interests of both parties make desirable the maintenance of an independent Polis state can only be definitely determined in the course of further political developments.” III.
Where: Signed in Moscow
When: August 1939
Why: Hitler was determined to seize Polish territory, even at the cost of war. Fearful of a two front war, Hitler’s generals insisted that he come to an agreement with the Soviet Union. “Desirous of strengthening the cause of peace between Germany and the U.S.S.R.
Significance: With the Nazi-Soviet Pact signed with Russia, German armies invaded Poland and Britain and France declared war on Germany, beginning WWII. Hitler eventually invaded Russia breaking the non-aggression pact.